Gnotobiotic Lab Animal Technician

University Of Nebraska - Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Gnotobiotic Lab Animal Technician to work in a germ-free mouse facility. You will breed, maintain, and monitor mouse colonies in sterile isolators and assist with sample collection.

The position supports researchers in the NGMP and collaborates with the Nebraska Food for Health Center to advance microbiome research. Weekend and rotating holiday health checks are required, with supervision responsibilities for undergraduate staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of experience working with lab animals.
• Associate’s degree in animal science or related field plus two (2) years of experience working with lab animals.
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field
• Additional years of experience or education may substitute on a year-for-year basis
• Experience recording and documenting test results
• Demonstrated understanding of basic laboratory procedures
• Basic computer skills required
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Breeding, maintaining, weaning, and record keeping of mice in sterile isolators and in ventilated cage rack systems
• Assembling autoclave cylinders with food, water, and equipment
• Microbiologic monitoring of autoclave functions
• Setting up germ-free isolators
• Overseeing sterile transfers between isolators or autoclave cylinders
• Performing procedures, routine laboratory functions, sample collection, and data collection
• Supervising undergraduate student workers

Education

High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of experience working with lab animals

Associate’s degree in animal science or related field

Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field

Experience recording and documenting test results

Basic computer skills

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Gnotobiotic Lab Animal Technician

Department

Department Food Science & Technology-0836

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_240931

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 09/12/2024

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Nebraska Gnotobiotic Mouse Program ( NGMP ) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking applications for the position of Gnotobiotic Lab Animal Technician. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about animal care, is attentive to details, and enjoys working on a team. The NGMP provides critical support to researchers, including the laboratory of Dr. Amanda Ramer-Tait , who are studying how the gut microbiome contributes to health and disease. The NGMP also works closely with members of the Nebraska Food for Health Center to understand how diet shapes the gut microbiome. The NGMP is housed in a state-of-the-art facility and collaborates with scientists from across the country and around the world to advance microbiome research.

As a Gnotobiotic Lab Animal Technician, you will work extensively with mice in a germ-free mouse facility. Daily responsibilities will include:

• Breeding, maintaining, weaning, and record keeping of mice in sterile isolators and in ventilated cage rack systems
• Assembling autoclave cylinders with food, water, and equipment
• Microbiologic monitoring of autoclave functions
• Setting up germ-free isolators
• Overseeing sterile transfers between isolators or autoclave cylinders
• Performing procedures, routine laboratory functions, sample collection, and data collection
• Supervising undergraduate student workers

Weekend (generally one per month) and rotating holiday health checks required. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Research Technician II.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we are committed to advancing knowledge, enriching lives, and contributing to the global community.

We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits including:

• Tuition remission for fulltime employees and dependents
• Retirement plans with university match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• A diverse and inclusive workplace

We are looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference!

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of experience working with lab animals, OR
• Associate’s degree in animal science or related field plus two (2) years of experience working with lab animals, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field
• Additional years of experience or education may substitute on a year-for-year basis
• Experience recording and documenting test results
• Demonstrated understanding of basic laboratory procedures
• Basic computer skills required
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Prior work in mouse facility with experience working with a mouse colony and breeding
• Knowledge of mouse husbandry
• Laboratory animal certifications
• Supervisory experience helpful

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience working with lab animals, including years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your experience performing basic laboratory procedures as well as your experience recording and documenting test results.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe any prior work in a mouse facility, including experience working with a mouse breeding colony and/or your knowledge of mouse husbandry.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe any laboratory animal certifications you may have.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your computer skills and how comfortable you are with each program (general).

  (Open Ended Question)